Space Invaders
Space Invaders is a fixed shooter arcade game designed by Tomohiro Nishikado and released by Taito in 1978. The player controls a laser cannon at the bottom of the screen, moving left and right to shoot down descending rows of alien invaders while dodging their fire and sheltering behind destructible bunkers. As invaders are destroyed the survivors move faster - an early, partly accidental example of escalating difficulty that steadily ratchets up the tension.
A massive commercial success, it helped ignite the golden age of arcade video games, reportedly caused a shortage of coins in Japan, and established the shoot-'em-up as a foundational genre. Its marching alien silhouettes became one of the most enduring icons in gaming and popular culture.
Today official free mobile versions and collections such as Space Invaders Forever on PC and consoles keep it playable, while modern indie arcade shooters carry on its spirit.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Space Invaders, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
| Alternative | Price | Steam Deck | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steredenn Indie | € 12,99 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| Space Invaders Forever | € 24,99 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, PlayStation, Switch |
| Space Invaders Extreme | € 19,50 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, Switch |
| Taito Milestones 3 | € 39,99 | Not on Steam | Switch |
Steredenn Indie
€ 12,99A frantic indie arcade shmup with roguelike runs and boss battles.
Steredenn runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
Space Invaders Forever
€ 24,99A collection of modern Space Invaders reinventions.
Space Invaders Forever runs on PC, PlayStation, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Xbox.
Space Invaders Extreme
€ 19,50A rhythm-driven remix of the original with chaining, power-ups and a pumping soundtrack.
Space Invaders Extreme runs on PC, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox.
Taito Milestones 3
€ 39,99Arcade-accurate Taito emulations on Switch, including the Space Invaders line and its sequels.
Taito Milestones 3 runs on Switch. Not available on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox.
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